2013 Rugby League World Cup: England unveil 24-man squad for tournament | Rugby League News | Sky Sports 2013 Rugby League World Cup: England unveil 24-man squad for tournament England have named three Burgess brothers in their 24-man World Cup squad but Eorl Crabtree misses out. Last Updated: 01/10/13 7:19pm Three of the four Burgess brothers make the cut - twins George and Tom, the only uncapped players in the squad, plus older brother Sam - but former Leeds prop Luke misses out. It is the first time that three brothers have been included in an England squad and it is the selection of Tom, who is in his first season with South Sydney Rabbitohs that will raise eyebrows as he gets the nod over Crabtree. Injuries ruled out Leeds' Jamie Jones-Buchanan and Jack Reed of the Brisbane Broncos while there were no places for the likes of St Helens' Jon Wilkin, Warrington veteran Adrian Morley and Wakefield Wildcats' Danny Kirmond.

Head coach Steve McNamara said: "After three years of excellent preparation and the success of the England elite training programme during that period, we are ready for the Rugby League World Cup 2013. "We are fully aware that the Rugby League World Cup 2013 will be fiercely contested and that this squad will need to work extremely hard and play to a very high level to win the tournament and we believe we have selected a squad capable of doing just that. Step up "As we have seen in previous tournaments, we will need all members of the squad ready to step up and make vital contributions and we feel that all 24 players have the ability to do that. "To have a World Cup on home soil is a massive opportunity for the sport and I hope the public will turn up in their numbers and show their support for England." Most of the England squad will fly to South Africa on Wednesday for a training camp, with the Wigan and Warrington stars involved in Saturday's Grand Final joining them on Monday. Huddersfield second rower Brett Ferres will also travel to South Africa, although he has not been named in the squad.

England have a warm-up game against Italy at Salford on Saturday, October 19, a week before their opening match against Australia in Cardiff. England's 24-man squad: Carl Ablett (Leeds), Tom Briscoe (Hull), George Burgess, Sam Burgess, Tom Burgess (all South Sydney), Rob Burrow (Leeds), Josh Charnley (Wigan), Rangi Chase (Castleford), Leroy Cudjoe (Huddersfield), Liam Farrell (Wigan), James Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs), Ryan Hall (Leeds), Zak Hardaker (Leeds), Chris Hill (Warrington), Gareth Hock (Widnes), Michael McIlorum (Wigan), Lee Mossop (Wigan), Sean O'Loughlin (Wigan), James Roby (St Helens), Kevin Sinfield (Leeds, capt), Sam Tomkins (Wigan), Kallum Watkins (Leeds), Ben Westwood (Warrington), Gareth Widdop (Melbourne).

England name three Burgess brothers – Sam, George, Tom – in Rugby League World Cup squad, but Luke misses out - Telegraph Rugby League England name three Burgess brothers – Sam, George, Tom – in Rugby League World Cup squad, but Luke misses out England coach Steve McNamara admitted on Tuesday that he had been forced to make one of the hardest calls of his career, after deciding to omit Luke Burgess from his World Cup squad while selecting his three siblings George, Tom and Sam. Keeping it in the family: (L-R) Tom Burgess, George Burgess, mother Julie Burgess, Luke Burgess and Sam Burgess Photo: GETTY IMAGES Follow The selection of the three Dewsbury-born brothers, whose mother Julie has now moved to Australia where all four brothers play for South Sydney Rabbitohs, was the first time three brothers have been selected in an England squad. While that piece of history was cause for celebration in the Burgess household, the omission of 26-year-old Luke proved harder to bear. “It was very tough [calling Luke]”, McNamara said. “I can only imagine what it must feel like to have your three younger brothers in a World Cup squad and you’re not part of it.

But that’s part and parcel of the game and I’m sure Luke understands that. As well as making the nice phone calls you’ve got to make the not so nice ones as well.” McNamara gave 21-year-old identical twins George and Tom their first call-up, while Sam, 24, was recalled to the squad having not played for his country since 2010. Tom Burgess, 21, is in his first year with South Sydney, making just nine appearances this season, so his selection over Huddersfield prop Eorl Crabtree was the main surprise. Related Articles Hunter-Paul takes charge of Bulls 26 Sep 2013 McNamara said: “What he [Tom] can potentially provide for the group is probably what we need right now. I don’t want to go into too much specifics on that but I think his contribution to the team and to the group is going to be very good.” Both Sam, 24, and George Burgess enjoyed impressive seasons in Australia’s National Rugby League, with the latter named ‘rookie of the year’ on Monday.

Captain Kevin Sinfield spoke of his excitement at joining the Burgess brothers when the squad travel tomorrow to Potchefstroom, South Africa, for their training camp. “I’ve seen clips of them and I know they’ve been tearing up trees,” Sinfield said. “To have two giants like that available with inside knowledge and without fear is fantastic.” Gareth Widdop had been a doubt for the tournament after suffering a dislocated hip playing for Melbourne three months ago, but he was named in the squad. In the 2008 tournament England won just once in four matches and were dumped out of the semi-finals by eventual winners New Zealand. This year England are in a Group A with Australia, Fiji, and Ireland. England and Australia open the tournament when they play at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Oct 26.

England's 24-man World Cup squad: Carl Ablett (Leeds), Tom Briscoe (Hull), George Burgess, Sam Burgess, Tom Burgess (all South Sydney), Rob Burrow (Leeds), Josh Charnley (Wigan), Rangi Chase (Castleford), Leroy Cudjoe (Huddersfield), Liam Farrell (Wigan), James Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs), Ryan Hall (Leeds), Zak Hardaker (Leeds), Chris Hill (Warrington), Gareth Hock (Widnes), Michael McIlorum (Wigan), Lee Mossop (Wigan), Sean O'Loughlin (Wigan), James Roby (St Helens), Kevin Sinfield (Leeds, capt), Sam Tomkins (Wigan), Kallum Watkins (Leeds), Ben Westwood (Warrington), Gareth Widdop (Melbourne). Iframe not supported Rugby League World Cup 2013: England v Fiji - a family affair - BBC Sport Rugby League World Cup 2013: England v Fiji - a family affair By Paul Fletcher From the section Rugby League Share this page Read more about sharing.

One World Cup, 14 teams, 15 sets of brothers. Players from the Pacific Islands like to call each other "bro" but at this tournament there is a good chance that this term of endearment is literally true. The 2013 Rugby League World Cup is nothing if not a family affair - with brothers featuring in 10 of the competing nations. And there will be family ties all over the pitch at Hull on Saturday when England meet Fiji in their final Group A match, with both teams already all-but assured of a place in the last eight.

He is heavy, he's my brother Australia: Josh and Brett Morris Cook Islands: Keith and Lulia Lulia England: Sam, George and Thomas Burgess Fiji: Ryan and Daryl Millard, Kevin and Wes Naiqama, Ashton, Korbin and Tariq Sims France: Andrew and Kane Bentley Ireland: Scott and Simon Grix Italy: Anthony and Mark Minichiello Scotland: Andrew and Ian Henderson, Brett and Callum Phillips, Adam and Jonathan Walker USA: Daniel and Stephan Howard, Joseph and Junior Paulo Wales: Ben and Rhys Evans Much has been made of the three English Burgess brothers - Sam and twins Thomas and George - but there are three sets of siblings in the Fiji squad of 24. They are Kevin and Wes Naiqama, Daryl and Ryan Millard and, in the Sims, they have their very own version of the Burgesses, with Ashton, Tariq and Korbin set to line up against England this weekend. Had all the Sims and Burgesses been selected it would have been the first time two sets of three brothers had started against each other in a Test, though that prospect disappeared when Tom Burgess was rested.

Like the Burgesses, all of the Sims are big, powerful forwards who love nothing more than crunching into an opponent. "The Burgess boys are three big, bad dudes but so are we," said the bearded Ashton, who at 28 is the eldest. Tariq, the middle brother at 23, puts it this way: "I know we won't be taking a backward step and neither will they. Let's play it hard and let's play it fast." Tariq responded to a tweet some months ago by former Australia international Mark Geyer suggesting that the Burgess boys and the Sims should take each other on with some all-in backyard rugby league. "I tried to get in touch with the Burgesses to set something up but they must have been busy," added Tariq. In addition to Fiji and England, there are brothers in the Australia, Cook Islands, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, US and Wales squads - a total of 32 players. "It is just a crazy situation," added Ashton.

"There must be a lot of very proud parents out there." Ashton, Tariq and 21-year-old Korbin play for clubs in the Australian National Rugby League and qualify for Bati through their Fijian mother Jacqueline. And representing Fiji has been a spiritual as well as sporting experience for the brothers. The squad start the day with devotion at 7.30am, pray before every meal and the day ends with devotion at 6.30pm and midnight. Media playback is not supported on this device Burgess bros ready for World Cup action The Sims do not room together - every NRL player has been paired with someone less experienced - but most are tucked up asleep before the final devotion. When Tariq revealed he had attended a midnight devotion session, his brothers gave him a look that suggested surprise and approval in equal measure. The spirituality extends to matchday as well. Opposition teams may have been struck by the sounds of tuneful prayer emanating from the Fiji dressing room at half-time during their two games at the World Cup.

And one of the most poignant moments of the tournament so far came after Australia's 34-2 win over Fiji in St Helens last Saturday, as the Kangaroos joined their opponents on the rain-soaked pitch for their traditional post-match prayer. The Sims were raised in the small seaside town of Gerringong, 90 minutes south of Sydney, and enjoy the sort of banter typical of brothers who share a close relationship. When Tariq suggested hygiene was not Korbin's number one priority, Ashton decided enough was enough and started to discuss Tariq's "dragon breath". But they are undoubtedly serious when talking about what it means for them to play for Fiji and their hopes for the tournament. Soulful, spiritual and moving - Fiji gather together before they kick-off every match "I played for Fiji at the 2008 World Cup and I said before our opening game here against Ireland that we have a much better squad now on paper with more NRL experience," added Ashton, who got married in Fiji. "We've got something special here.

We are all here to win the World Cup, not just play in it." Fiji have an incredibly aggressive pack - as anyone who witnessed a particularly thunderous if undisciplined period of play during their 32-14 win over Ireland will testify - and a talented back five who all play in the NRL. When they first got together there were a couple of issues during a week of bonding and training in Fiji. Ashton talks about the concept of "Fiji time" and reckons that during the first few days time-keeping was a problem with some of the players, but a series of fines and extra training sessions soon put an end to that. And they are confident that they will give England a severe test when they meet at the KC Stadium for a fixture that will effectively decide who finishes second in Group A. "We have watched a couple of the England games and they have good forwards but also some silky smooth backs," added Ashton. "We are not going to concentrate on one part of the game. If we do that their packs will burn us.

"It is something that we have trained for - we had a hard slog on Wednesday morning working on an across-the-field mentality." Asked how he would describe what sort of match he expects on Saturday, Tariq said: "Physical, proud and passionate, with a bit of Fiji flair." Korbin was the most succinct of the three, simply saying: "I cannot wait." Brace yourself for the battle of the brothers. Rugby League World Cup England name three Burgess brothers in World Cup squad | talkSPORT England name three Burgess brothers in World Cup squad George Burgess Tuesday, October 1, 2013 England have named three Burgess brothers in their 24-man World Cup squad. Twins George and Tom, who have previously played for England Knights, have received call-ups, alongside older brother Sam. All three Dewsbury-born brothers currently play with South Sydney after starting their professional careers with Bradford. It is the first time that three brothers have been included in an England squad.

England coach Steve McNamara stopped short of naming all four of the Burgess brothers - former Leeds prop Luke is the man to miss out - but the trio will be aiming to emulate the Hendersons - Kevin, Ian and Andrew - who all played for Scotland in the last World Cup in 2008. The 21-year-old twins are the only uncapped players in McNamara's squad, which will be captained by Leeds' Kevin Sinfield. While Sam and George were widely expected to receive call-ups after hugely-impressive seasons in the NRL this year, the selection of Tom, who is in his first year with the Rabbitohs, is something of a surprise. He gets the nod ahead of Huddersfield prop Eorl Crabtree, who is the most notable absentee. McNamara said: "After three years of excellent preparation and the success of the England elite training programme during that period, we are ready for the Rugby League World Cup 2013.

"We are fully aware that the Rugby League World Cup 2013 will be fiercely contested and that this squad will need to work extremely hard and play to a very high level to win the tournament and we believe we have selected a squad capable of doing just that. "As we have seen in previous tournaments, we will need all members of the squad ready to step up and make vital contributions and we feel that all 24 players have the ability to do that. "To have a World Cup on home soil is a massive opportunity for the sport and I hope the public will turn up in their numbers and show their support for England." England begin their preparations with a training camp in Potchefstroom, South Africa. The majority of the squad will fly out tomorrow, with the Wigan and Warrington players involved in Saturday's Grand Final going out on Monday. Huddersfield second rower Brett Ferres will also travel to South Africa, although he has not been named in the squad. England have a warm-up game against Italy at Salford on Saturday, October 19, a week before their opening match against Australia in Cardiff.

England's 24-man World Cup squad is: Carl Ablett (Leeds), Tom Briscoe (Hull), George Burgess, Sam Burgess, Tom Burgess (all South Sydney), Rob Burrow (Leeds), Josh Charnley (Wigan), Rangi Chase (Castleford), Leroy Cudjoe (Huddersfield), Liam Farrell (Wigan), James Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs), Ryan Hall (Leeds), Zak Hardaker (Leeds), Chris Hill (Warrington), Gareth Hock (Widnes), Michael McIlorum (Wigan), Lee Mossop (Wigan), Sean O'Loughlin (Wigan), James Roby (St Helens), Kevin Sinfield (Leeds, capt), Sam Tomkins (Wigan), Kallum Watkins (Leeds), Ben Westwood (Warrington), Gareth Widdop (Melbourne).

England likely to play three Burgess brothers in World Cup warm-up | Sport | The Guardian England likely to play three Burgess brothers in World Cup warm-up • Coach using Italy game to integrate Australia-based players • Steve McNamara plans for World Cup opener against Australia Tom Burgess has been called into England's World Cup squad alongside his twin, George, and elder brother Sam. Photograph: Dave Howarth/PA Monday 14 October 2013 16.43 EDT First published on Monday 14 October 2013 16.43 EDT Close This article is 3 years old England are likely to play all five Australia-based members of their World Cup squad in Saturday's warm-up match against Italy, including the three Burgess brothers, as the coach, Steve McNamara, finalises his plans for the opening match of the tournament against the Kangaroos in Cardiff seven days later.

McNamara confirmed from the team's training camp in South Africa that one of the main reasons he was keen to organise a competitive fixture before the tournament proper – in contrast to Australia, whose coach Tim Sheens will be an interested spectator at the City of Salford Stadium on Saturday afternoon – was to accelerate the assimilation process for Sam, George and Tom Burgess, plus the Canterbury prop James Graham and the Melbourne Storm stand-off Gareth Widdop. Graham, Widdop and 24-year-old Sam Burgess have not played for England since the 2011 Four Nations series and the 21-year-old Burgess twins are both uncapped. The Italy game could be especially significant for Widdop, who has made an unexpectedly quick recovery after suffering a dislocated hip in June but has made only two appearances in four months. "I was there at the game when he suffered the injury and I didn't think he had a cat in hell's chance," said McNamara. Now he has the chance to press his claims either as a half-back option or possibly at centre.

McNamara will select 20 of his 24-man squad to be used in a game likely to be played with unlimited interchanges, meaning it will not have full international status. Two more players are likely to drop into the England Knights team who will face Samoa in a potentially intriguing curtain-raiser, along with Brett Ferres, the Huddersfield forward who was taken to South Africa as cover in case any members of the original 24 are injured before the tournament. Sean O'Loughlin, the Wigan captain who played his first match in more than a month in the Super League Grand Final on 5 October, was not considered, to give him an extra week to ensure a full recovery from his achilles problems, and the Warrington forward Ben Westwood is serving a one-match suspension for punching Blake Green at Old Trafford. "None of our Australian-based players were available for the tournament we had at the end of last year [against Wales and France] or the Exiles match we had in June, so it is important that we fit them back in," said McNamara. "We're excited about playing a game. We don't play enough games as England as it is and Italy will be completely new opposition for us.

"We've done some quality work out here in South Africa. That was the whole purpose of getting away. But it was important for us to play a game. "Each international team has their own way of preparing – Australia's is different from quite a few countries but that's not saying it's right or wrong. It's important for us that we come back from South Africa and play on the Saturday afternoon, because that gives us a seven-day turnaround before Cardiff and our whole tournament is based around Saturdays, so we can get into that routine." The England squad will fly back into Manchester on Wednesday, with the Kangaroos due 24 hours earlier. They have not organised a warm-up match, with Sheens happy that an intense practice session will prove as valuable as England's game against an Italy team who will be making their World Cup debut – also at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday week, against Wales in the second match of the opening double-header – and who McNamara admits are very much an unknown quantity.

They include several recognisable and high-calibre names, led by Anthony Minichiello, the Sydney Roosters full-back who was a Grand Final winner against Manly last weekend and won 19 Australia caps between 2003-05. He is relishing the opportunity of playing alongside his younger brother Mark, a second-row with the Gold Coast Titans, and Italy also include the St Helens forward Anthony Laffranchi and the Newcastle Knights prop Kade Snowden in a team boasting plenty of senior experience. But they have suffered a major blow to what was already fragile credibility, given their almost total reliance on Australians and a corresponding lack of authenticity – partly as a result of a split between two domestic competitions in Italy – with the late withdrawals of Terry Campese, Vic Mauro and Craig Gower, the latter a former Italy rugby union international. Other warm-up games next weekend include New Zealand against the Cook Islands in Doncaster, with a possible appearance by Sonny Bill Williams following his late decision to make himself available for the Kiwis' title defence; Scotland versus Papua New Guinea in Featherstone; and France against the United States in Toulouse.

"Three out of Four Brothers Selected; RUGBY LEAGUE" - The Journal (Newcastle, England), October 2, 2013 | Online Research Library: Questia Read preview Article excerpt ENGLAND coach Steve McNamara considered including all four Sydney-based Burgess brothers in his World Cup squad before taking the tough decision to leave one out. Former Bradford forward Sam, 24, who has been on the international scene for the past six years, was an automatic selection and George, 21, became an obvious choice following a stellar first full season in the NRL in which he was on Tuesday named rookie of the year. McNamara also opted to include George's twin Tom in his 24-strong squad, which left Luke, at 26 the oldest of the quartet, on the outside. Luke, who made 93 appearances for Leeds from 2008-11, was in England's squad for the 2012 autumn international series but was not selected in any of the matches. All four brothers, who played together for South Sydney in an NRL match against Wests Tigers in August, were contacted individually by McNamara to be told the news.

"As well as making the nice phone calls, you've got to make the ones that are not so nice," McNamara said. "It's very tough, I can only imagine what it must feel like to have your three brothers in a World Cup squad and you're not part of it. "But it's part and parcel of the game and I'm sure Luke understands that. … Subscribe to Questia and enjoy: Full access to this article and over 10 million more from academic journals, magazines, and newspapers Over 83,000 books Access to powerful writing and research tools Article details Rugby League World Cup 2013: England v Fiji - a family affair - BBC Sport Rugby League World Cup 2013: England v Fiji - a family affair By Paul Fletcher From the section Rugby League Share this page Read more about sharing. One World Cup, 14 teams, 15 sets of brothers. Players from the Pacific Islands like to call each other "bro" but at this tournament there is a good chance that this term of endearment is literally true. The 2013 Rugby League World Cup is nothing if not a family affair - with brothers featuring in 10 of the competing nations.

And there will be family ties all over the pitch at Hull on Saturday when England meet Fiji in their final Group A match, with both teams already all-but assured of a place in the last eight. He is heavy, he's my brother Australia: Josh and Brett Morris Cook Islands: Keith and Lulia Lulia England: Sam, George and Thomas Burgess Fiji: Ryan and Daryl Millard, Kevin and Wes Naiqama, Ashton, Korbin and Tariq Sims France: Andrew and Kane Bentley Ireland: Scott and Simon Grix Italy: Anthony and Mark Minichiello Scotland: Andrew and Ian Henderson, Brett and Callum Phillips, Adam and Jonathan Walker USA: Daniel and Stephan Howard, Joseph and Junior Paulo Wales: Ben and Rhys Evans Much has been made of the three English Burgess brothers - Sam and twins Thomas and George - but there are three sets of siblings in the Fiji squad of 24. They are Kevin and Wes Naiqama, Daryl and Ryan Millard and, in the Sims, they have their very own version of the Burgesses, with Ashton, Tariq and Korbin set to line up against England this weekend.

Had all the Sims and Burgesses been selected it would have been the first time two sets of three brothers had started against each other in a Test, though that prospect disappeared when Tom Burgess was rested. Like the Burgesses, all of the Sims are big, powerful forwards who love nothing more than crunching into an opponent. "The Burgess boys are three big, bad dudes but so are we," said the bearded Ashton, who at 28 is the eldest. Tariq, the middle brother at 23, puts it this way: "I know we won't be taking a backward step and neither will they. Let's play it hard and let's play it fast." Tariq responded to a tweet some months ago by former Australia international Mark Geyer suggesting that the Burgess boys and the Sims should take each other on with some all-in backyard rugby league. "I tried to get in touch with the Burgesses to set something up but they must have been busy," added Tariq. In addition to Fiji and England, there are brothers in the Australia, Cook Islands, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, US and Wales squads - a total of 32 players. "It is just a crazy situation," added Ashton.

"There must be a lot of very proud parents out there." Ashton, Tariq and 21-year-old Korbin play for clubs in the Australian National Rugby League and qualify for Bati through their Fijian mother Jacqueline. And representing Fiji has been a spiritual as well as sporting experience for the brothers. The squad start the day with devotion at 7.30am, pray before every meal and the day ends with devotion at 6.30pm and midnight. Media playback is not supported on this device Burgess bros ready for World Cup action The Sims do not room together - every NRL player has been paired with someone less experienced - but most are tucked up asleep before the final devotion. When Tariq revealed he had attended a midnight devotion session, his brothers gave him a look that suggested surprise and approval in equal measure. The spirituality extends to matchday as well. Opposition teams may have been struck by the sounds of tuneful prayer emanating from the Fiji dressing room at half-time during their two games at the World Cup.

And one of the most poignant moments of the tournament so far came after Australia's 34-2 win over Fiji in St Helens last Saturday, as the Kangaroos joined their opponents on the rain-soaked pitch for their traditional post-match prayer. The Sims were raised in the small seaside town of Gerringong, 90 minutes south of Sydney, and enjoy the sort of banter typical of brothers who share a close relationship. When Tariq suggested hygiene was not Korbin's number one priority, Ashton decided enough was enough and started to discuss Tariq's "dragon breath". But they are undoubtedly serious when talking about what it means for them to play for Fiji and their hopes for the tournament. Soulful, spiritual and moving - Fiji gather together before they kick-off every match "I played for Fiji at the 2008 World Cup and I said before our opening game here against Ireland that we have a much better squad now on paper with more NRL experience," added Ashton, who got married in Fiji. "We've got something special here.

We are all here to win the World Cup, not just play in it." Fiji have an incredibly aggressive pack - as anyone who witnessed a particularly thunderous if undisciplined period of play during their 32-14 win over Ireland will testify - and a talented back five who all play in the NRL. When they first got together there were a couple of issues during a week of bonding and training in Fiji. Ashton talks about the concept of "Fiji time" and reckons that during the first few days time-keeping was a problem with some of the players, but a series of fines and extra training sessions soon put an end to that. And they are confident that they will give England a severe test when they meet at the KC Stadium for a fixture that will effectively decide who finishes second in Group A. "We have watched a couple of the England games and they have good forwards but also some silky smooth backs," added Ashton. "We are not going to concentrate on one part of the game. If we do that their packs will burn us.

"It is something that we have trained for - we had a hard slog on Wednesday morning working on an across-the-field mentality." Asked how he would describe what sort of match he expects on Saturday, Tariq said: "Physical, proud and passionate, with a bit of Fiji flair." Korbin was the most succinct of the three, simply saying: "I cannot wait." Brace yourself for the battle of the brothers. Rugby League World Cup England name World Cup squad | Hull KR ← Back to the News Page Show News Filter ↓ England name World Cup squad England RL coach Steve McNamara and his coaching staff today named a 24-man squad for the Rugby League World Cup 2013 taking place in England and Wales including two players uncapped at international level – South Sydney Rabbitohs twin brothers George Burgess and Tom Burgess. Alongside the uncapped duo, third Burgess brother Sam is in the squad for the first time since 2010. It is the first time that three brothers have been selected in an England squad.

Leeds Rhinos Kevin Sinfield will lead a squad looking to become the first home nation’s team to win the World Cup since 1972, when Great Britain edged Australia in the final league placings. The Rhinos and Wigan Warriors have the biggest representation with six players each. Souths, who play in the Australian premier competition the NRL, have three representatives and Super League Grand Finalists Warrington Wolves two. The other clubs represented are Canterbury Bulldogs, Castleford Tigers, Huddersfield Giants, Hull FC, Melbourne Storm, St Helens and Widnes Vikings (one each). England Rugby League coach, Steve McNamara, said: “After three years of excellent preparation and the success of the England Elite Training programme during that period, we are ready for the Rugby League World Cup 2013. “We are fully aware that the Rugby League World Cup 2013 will be fiercely contested and that this squad will need to work extremely hard and play to a very high level to win the tournament and we believe we have selected a squad capable of doing just that.

As we have seen in previous tournaments, we will need all members of the squad ready to step up and make vital contributions and we feel that all 24 players have the ability to do that. “To have a World Cup on home soil is a massive opportunity for the sport and I hope the public will turn up in their numbers and show their support for England.” England begin their preparations with a training camp in Potchefstroom, South Africa. The majority of the squad travel to South Africa on Wednesday (October 2) with the remaining players, involved in the Super League Grand Final, joining up on Monday October 7. England have a warm-up game against Italy on Saturday October 19 at the Salford City Stadium (kick off 4.30pm) with the England Knights also in action on the same day against Samoa (kick off 2.00pm). England start their Rugby League World Cup 2013 campaign on Saturday October 26 when they take on Australia at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff (2.30pm). Their other group matches are: England v Ireland, Saturday November 2, John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield (2.30pm).

England v Fiji, Saturday November 9, KC Stadium, Hull (2.30pm). Tickets for the Rugby League World Cup 2013 are available now at or call the 24-hour Ticket Hotline on 0844 847 2013.

The England squad for the Rugby League World Cup 2013 (professional club and community club shown): Carl Ablett, Leeds Rhinos, Hunslet Parkside Tom Briscoe, Hull FC, Featherstone Lions George Burgess, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Dewsbury Moor Sam Burgess, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Dewsbury Moor Tom Burgess, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Dewsbury Moor Rob Burrow, Leeds Rhinos, Featherstone Lions Josh Charnley, Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Patricks Rangi Chase, Castleford Tigers, Dannevirke Tigers Leroy Cudjoe, Huddersfield Giants, Newsome Panthers Liam Farrell, Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Patricks James Graham, Canterbury Bulldogs, Blackbrook Ryan Hall, Leeds Rhinos, Oulton Raiders Zak Hardaker, Leeds Rhinos, Featherstone Lions Chris Hill, Warrington Wolves, New Spring Lions Gareth Hock, Widnes Vikings, Wigan St Judes Michael McIlorum, Wigan Warriors, Queens Lee Mossop, Wigan Warriors, Hensingham Sean O’Loughlin, Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Patricks James Roby, St Helens, Blackbrook Kevin Sinfield (

captain), Leeds Rhinos, Waterhead Sam Tomkins, Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Patricks Kallum Watkins, Leeds Rhinos, Latchford Albion Ben Westwood, Warrington Wolves, Normanton Gareth Widdop, Melbourne Storm, King Cross Huddersfield’s Brett Ferres will travel to South Africa but has not been named in the Rugby League World Cup squad.

About this post Rugby League World Cup 2013: Italy all set for England warm-up game | Sport | The Guardian Rugby League World Cup 2013 Rugby League World Cup 2013: Italy all set for England warm-up game The World Cup debutants with an Antipodean twang will not be overawed as they prepare to take on England in Salford Anthony Minichiello, centre, led the Sydney Roosters to Grand Final success and is proud to be the captain of Italy in the Rugby League World Cup. Photograph: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images Thursday 17 October 2013 12.35 EDT First published on Thursday 17 October 2013 12.35 EDT Share on Messenger Close England will face two Australian Grand Final winners in their World Cup warm-up game against Italy on Saturday, but for Aidan Guerra and his Sydney Roosters captain Anthony Minichiello, the focus is very much on the Millennium Stadium seven days later.

Italy will make their World Cup debut against Wales in the second match of the opening-day double-header and Minichiello, the 33-year-old full-back who won 19 caps for Australia between 2003 and 2005, remains quietly confident in their ability to make a major impact on the tournament despite the late loss of Terry Campese and Craig Gower, who would have been their first-choice half-back pairing, with injuries. "We're thrilled to be a part of that opening ceremony," Minichiello said from the team's Loughborough training base. "It's a great opportunity for us to show Wales and the rugby league world what playing for Italy means to us. We always knew Craig and Terry were 50-50, but we've got a bit of depth in the squad. "Everybody wants a run this weekend," he confirmed. "I've just finished my first training session with the boys, to get the old bones going again.

But it's more of a trial match for us, to get a game under our belt before the opener against Wales." Minichiello's father is from Avellino, near Naples, and he actually represented Italy before he played for Australia, in the qualifying tournament for the 2000 World Cup when they were edged out by Lebanon. "Carlo Napolitano was playing then and now he's our coach, and I'm pretty proud that he's asked me to captain the side," added Minichiello, who is also relishing a rare opportunity to line up alongside his younger brother, Mark, a second-row with the Gold Coast Titans. " My dad came over to Australia when he was 13 and he's thrilled that me and Mark are both playing for Italy. He'd be over here with us but my brother's got three kids, and my wife is pregnant, so we needed them to stay at home." Saturday's game will be a homecoming for Napolitano, who grew up with the England veteran Adrian Morley – a former Roosters team-mate of Minichiello – in Salford, and has since become a driving force behind Italy's route to the World Cup.

But the first rugby league meeting of England and Italy will not be a full international, as both teams will be allowed to make unlimited interchanges from a squad of 20, and will inevitably be something of a phoney war. England's coach Steve McNamara will be anxious not to reveal his hand to Australia ahead of the opening fixture in Cardiff, especially as the Salford venue for Saturday's game might have been arranged to suit the Kangaroos, who are based in Manchester. It would therefore be dangerous to read too much into the team he announced , with Tom Briscoe starting ahead of Josh Charnley on the wing, Carl Ablett partnering Leroy Cudjoe in the centres, and Michael McIlorum selected at hooker ahead of James Roby, who joins Charnley on the interchange bench.

With Sean O'Loughlin not considered to give the Wigan captain more time to recover from his performance in the Grand Final – his first match after five weeks out with an achilles problem – and the Warrington second-row Ben Westwood suspended, Zak Hardaker and Tom Burgess would seem to be the major losers from McNamara's selection, as they have been relegated to an England Knights team who will face Samoa in the first part of Saturday's double-header in Salford. That means Sam Burgess, the eldest of the three brothers in the World Cup squad, is the only one to start, with Tom's twin George on the interchange bench. But Hardaker's selection at centre for the Knights could be significant, as it suggests he is one of the options McNamara is considering for Cardiff in arguably England's weakest position, following the loss through injury of the Yorkshire-born Brisbane Broncos back Jack Reed. Hardaker has played most of the season for Leeds at full-back while Ablett has been in the second row.

Kallum Watkins, the Mancunian youngster who was badly affected by an injury in the Rhinos' play-off defeat at Wigan three weeks ago, will start on the bench this weekend, but must remain the most likely option to line up against Greg Inglis in Cardiff. The picture on this article was changed on 18 October England announce Rugby League World Cup squad | GiveMeSport England announce Rugby League World Cup squad Published 24/7 England have revealed the squad to play in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup today, and made history at the same time. This is the first time that three brothers have made it into the squad - 21-year-old twins George and Tom Burgess and their brother Sam, 24. Their older brother, 26-year-old Leeds prop, Luke, missed out. However, the selection of Tom has been causing controversy; the usual prop forward has just signed a one year deal with South Sydney Rabbitohs, and has been selected over Huddersfield powerhouse Eorl Crabtree. Head coach, Steve McNamara, has said he is aware of the scepticism the squad are under, but is happy with his selections.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said : "After three years of excellent preparation and the success of the England elite training programme during that period, we are ready for the Rugby League World Cup 2013. "We are fully aware that the Rugby League World Cup 2013 will be fiercely contested and that this squad will need to work extremely hard and play to a very high level to win the tournament and we believe we have selected a squad capable of doing just that." The last time Great Britain won the Rugby League World Cup was in 1972 over Australia, who have since dominated the tournament, until 2008 when New Zealand soared to victory for the first time in the tournament's history with a spectacular 34-20 win over Australia in Brisbane. McNamara didn't seem to be phased by previous results however, and is confident his side can make an impact in-front of the home supporters. He added : "As we have seen in previous tournaments, we will need all members of the squad ready to step up and make vital contributions and we feel that all 24 players have the ability to do that.

"To have a World Cup on home soil is a massive opportunity for the sport and I hope the public will turn up in their numbers and show their support for England." Most of the squad fly to South Africa tomorrow for a training camp. England have a warm-up game against Italy on Saturday in Salford, and a week later face their opening match in Cardiff against Australia.

England's 24-man squad: Carl Ablett (Leeds), Tom Briscoe (Hull), George Burgess, Sam Burgess, Tom Burgess (all South Sydney), Rob Burrow (Leeds), Josh Charnley (Wigan), Rangi Chase (Castleford), Leroy Cudjoe (Huddersfield), Liam Farrell (Wigan), James Graham (Canterbury Bulldogs), Ryan Hall (Leeds), Zak Hardaker (Leeds), Chris Hill (Warrington), Gareth Hock (Widnes), Michael McIlorum (Wigan), Lee Mossop (Wigan), Sean O'Loughlin (Wigan), James Roby (St Helens), Kevin Sinfield (Leeds, capt), Sam Tomkins (Wigan), Kallum Watkins (Leeds), Ben Westwood (Warrington), Gareth Widdop (Melbourne). Write for GiveMeSport! Sign-up to the GMS Writing Academy here: DISCLAIMER: This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.

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Question: What is the surname of the three brothers selected in the England Rugby League squad for the 2013 World Cup?
Answer: Burgess